Little League’s Adaptive Baseball Program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges
The Challenger Division is Little Leagues way of providing new opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the game of baseball.
The Challenger Division is Little League’s Adaptive Baseball Program for individuals with physical and/or intellectual challenges, ages 5 to 35, an opportunity to play baseball regardless of their limitations. This affords these individuals the opportunity to experience the emotional development and fun of playing Little League Baseball. This Division of Little League is a supervised, volunteer based, non-competitive structured athletic program. It is sanctioned and insured by Little League Headquarters in Williamsport, PA. Inaugurated in 1989, Challenger Baseball is chartered by the United States Congress as an educational program.
All players will receive a full uniform, the necessary equipment to safely play the game, team pictures and a closing ceremony.
Each year our Challenger program participates in the Jake Hardison Memorial (JHM) Challenger Jamboree held in Virginia Beach, VA over Mother's Day weekend. More than 50 teams from VA, MD, and PA participated in this three day event in 2022. This event is more than just a chance for your children to play baseball, it is a chance for them to participate in tournament play. The tournament atmosphere is festive and exciting and for some children this is their only chance to experience this type of activity. Once hotel arrangements have been made, that information will be shared. Families are responsible for their own transportation to and from the beach and food while at the Jamboree. Please RSVP by February 27th if you plan to attend. Your player must be registered before you can RSVP for the Jamboree. Once all the rooms at this hotel are booked, you will be responsible for making your own hotel reservations. Please review the 2024 Challenger Jamboree Flyer for additional information about this year's trip.
Funding for the Challenger Division comes from registration fees, contributions, sponsorship and fundraising. The financing needed supplements the cost of uniforms, equipment, training, storage, advertising, special events, tournaments and mailings. This is a great way to support these children and provide advertising for your company. If you are interested in helping out, download our Sponsorship Form
Sponsorship Form.
One of the most positive aspects of the Challenger Division is a volunteer program that uses “buddies” during play. A buddy can be a Little League Baseball player, friend, brother or sister, relative or even a parent. Buddies help assist their Challenger partner on the field with any aspect of the game. We are always looking for volunteers from within the community that are willing to come to the games and partner up with our challenger players as a Buddy. If you are interested in helping with this program or would like additional information, please contact Michelle Slaughter at 703-615-8487 or send an email to [email protected].